Boxwood can be propagated by cuttings
Boxwood is best propagated using cuttings or cracks, which are relatively easy to root. All you need is a little patience, because it can take six or more months for the slow-growing box to form its first tender roots. In principle, propagation via seeds is also possible, but this is complicated and too time-consuming for the layman. The perfect time for cutting cuttings are the months of June to August: by this time the new shoots are already well matured and less prone to fungal infections. Shoot pieces that are now set usually only take root in the following spring and then sprout for the first time.
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Propagation of cuttings in boxwood - step by step
The easiest way to take root is so-called cracks, which you can collect and take in as follows:
- First, choose some stronger shoots with lots of side shoots.
- The side shoots should be at least two years old and ten centimeters long.
- Tear off the side shoots so that the astring remains on the cutting.
- This is where the roots develop.
- All leaves are plucked off in the lower third of the cutting.
- Dip the lower end first in a glass with water and then in a rooting preparation.
- You can stick large cuttings directly into a prepared garden bed.
- Loosen this thoroughly and improve the soil with ripe compost.
- The soil should always be kept slightly moist.
- However, too much moisture will cause the cuttings to rot.
- The lower third of the cuttings should be completely in the ground.
- A cover with fir branches is sufficient as winter protection in frosty conditions.
Very small cuttings are best rooted in a mini greenhouse, which you can either set up on the windowsill or in a not too sunny spot in the garden. These little plants take root more easily if you cover the planter with a transparent hood and thus keep the humidity high. Regular airing and watering is important for root growth and should therefore not be forgotten under any circumstances.
Tips
Choose the cuttings as large as possible, as boxwood grows very slowly and otherwise it takes an extremely long time to reach a height that is acceptable for borders or hedges. Lengths between 20 and 30 centimeters are ideal.
